Richardson Oilseed Limited Processes One Million Tonnes of Canola

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - July 25, 2011) - Within the first year of operating its canola processing plant in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Richardson Oilseed Limited announced today it has processed one million tonnes of canola through its canola crushing plants in Yorkton and Lethbridge, Alberta.

"This is a significant milestone in our business," says Pat Van Osch, Vice President and General Manager of Richardson Oilseed. "Ten years ago, we were crushing 360 000 tonnes of canola in one year and now we've hit the one-million-tonne mark."

Richardson Oilseed opened its canola crushing plant in Yorkton last June, tripling the company's total oil production capacity. The $170-million, state-of-the-art facility can process up to 2,400 tonnes of canola a day, producing 1,000 tonnes of canola oil on a daily basis.

Richardson Oilseed's canola processing plant in Lethbridge continues to operate at or above capacity. The company has increased the plant's canola processing rate over the last few years through ongoing capital investment and process improvements. Earlier this year, Richardson announced a $15-million investment to enhance packaging capabilities at the Lethbridge plant.

Recognized as a leader in the Canadian canola industry, Richardson Oilseed has been at the forefront of canola oil production and marketing for the last decade. The industry has increased capacity by more than 70 per cent in the last two years to keep up with increasing demand for canola oil, which is being driven by consumer demand for healthier food products.

"Global demand for Canadian canola oil and canola oil products continues to grow and, after a successful start at our new plant in Yorkton and continuing efficiency improvements at our Lethbridge facility, we are well positioned for the future," says Van Osch. "Thanks to the ongoing support of our customers and the commitment of our employees, we were able to reach this one-million-tonne milestone and prove that we can meet the growing needs of customers around the world."

Richardson Oilseed is a wholly owned subsidiary of Richardson International Limited, Canada's largest, privately owned agribusiness. Based in Winnipeg, Richardson has more than 1,600 employees across the country and is a worldwide handler and merchandiser of all major Canadian-grown grains and oilseeds. Richardson is one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies and is recognized as a global leader in agriculture and food processing.